The Importance of Equipment Control

In addition to monitoring environmental conditions, an often overlooked but crucial component of laboratory management is equipment control. Lab products are highly sensitive, making laboratory equipment high-risk assets. For instance, the failure of an ultra-low temperature freezer containing critical research samples can lead to irreparable losses.

While predicting equipment failure with complete accuracy may be challenging, monitoring high-pressure systems, freezers and incubators can provide early warning signs. Data-driven solutions, such as ELPRO’s cloud-based monitoring systems, enable labs to track anomalies and prevent failures before they occur.

A reactive approach to equipment control is disadvantageous and offers limited corrective action once damage has begun. Proactive monitoring, on the other hand, enhances preventive maintenance and reduces the risk of costly failures.

Real-Time Monitoring for Laboratory Equipment

One effective way to implement equipment control is through real-time monitoring. This involves continuously assessing and adjusting equipment to ensure optimal performance. Instead of waiting for a breakdown, real-time monitoring enables preemptive action through continuous data collection and analysis.

In pharmaceutical labs, temperature and humidity fluctuations must be strictly regulated to prevent adverse effects on medicines and vaccines. ELPRO provides cloud-based laboratory monitoring solutions that automate temperature tracking and integrate seamlessly across devices.

Five Steps to Real-Time Monitoring

Needs Assessment

A needs assessment can serve to determine the specific monitoring requirements and the parameters involved. For example, when monitoring an ultra-low freezer, the inside temperature must maintain a specific temperature range, depending on the contents. Performing a needs assessment will help determine how robust the system must be, including power consumption ratings and output data. A temperature specific real-time monitoring system or an advanced model that incorporates other parameters – the assessment will also inform the type of sensors required as they vary in terms of operating range.

Data loggers and certain temperature probes are designed to monitor a wide range of temperatures. For example, a Pt100 sensor, or probe, can measure temperatures from -200 °C to +200 °C. Data loggers must work efficiently at temperature ranges as determined by the needs assessment and standard operating procedure (SOP). Testing equipment must also be assessed for accuracy to meet regulatory compliance.

Data Collection

Equipment control through real-time monitoring must employ the use of sensors for data collection. These devices perform data collection of the specified parameter. Sensors track various parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and high-pressure conditions. More advanced monitoring systems can incorporate multiple sensors to detect different parameters. These sensors can connect into a single network to create efficiencies in hardware and software requirements.

Modern data loggers, including cloud-based options, enable secure data storage and easy access for compliance reporting. Some data loggers do not have any connectivity, which necessitating a routine download to access the recorded data. Various models today employ different connectivity platforms, including wireless Bluetooth® connectivity, radio signal with proprietary antennas or Mobile-IoT using a public network. Through these methods, data relay to a database to facilitate access, and analysis secure storage is possible.

Data Transmission

Transmission of data from the data collection site to a secure database or access portal is possible via wired or wireless means. Wireless, IoT-enabled connections offer more flexibility and are easier to install.

By leveraging the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), you can connect sensors through the internet and relay information at any time on any internet-enabled device.

Data Storage and Retrieval

For compliance and auditing, it is important to have easy and quick access to sensor data. ELPRO data loggers collect sensor data that can be easily transferred into a cloud database for storage. Once the data is stored to the cloud it can be accessed remotely via any internet-enabled device.

A key consideration in data handling is security. One must consider whether or not a data storage solution can ensure protection from third-party invasion.

Cloud storage offers secure data storage for one to retrieve data when the need arises. Aside from providing an accurate picture of equipment performance, real-time data also enables users to be proactive when temperature excursions occur during transit or in storage.

Warning and Correction Mechanisms

Equipment control is not complete without a system of warnings and remedial mechanisms in place. Should environmental conditions fall below or rise above acceptable ranges, there must be a way to restore stability of the product temperature.

ELPRO recommends temperature monitoring systems that enable remote automated alarms. Users can route the warnings to various personnel to take corrective action and initiate remedial procedures. Alarm configurations can help ensure that there are several warnings before the environmental conditions fall above or below the acceptable ranges.